Now an accomplished pilot, a compassionate royal and a loving husband he, together with Kate, is recognised and respected on the global stage.

William Arthur Philip Louis came into the world weighing 7lbs 1.5oz at 9.03pm on June 21, 1982, at St Mary's Hospital, Paddington

His travels around the world began early when, at just nine months old, he joined his parents on a tour of New Zealand

He became acquainted with fellow European royals at a young age. Here, the young Prince meets King Juan Carlos of Spain during a 1986 trip to Majorca

These days a star polo player, sporty William acquired his equestrian skills early on

Watching the VJ day celebrations with his family in 1995 , the 13-year-old Eton student was clearly growing into a handsome young man

But behind the carefree and boyish façade, William was often torn between his warring parents

His childhood at Kensington Palace was often blighted by their blazing rows. A year later, in 1996, Charles and Diana's divorce was finalised following their separation in 1992

Just days before the tragic death in 1997 of their mother in a Paris car crash, William and Harry joined their father for a break at Balmoral in the Scottish Highlands

William was asleep when the call came through at one in the morning

He later admitted waking repeatedly that night, with a premonition that something bad was going to happen

The unforgettable image of the Princes walking behind their mother's coffin is a painful one.

Having gone through that trauma, both share a special brotherly bond

Taken into the hearts of the nation following Diana's death, the teenage royal was showered with gifts by well-wishers as he attended the Christmas Day service at Sandringham the next year

In the years after the bereavement, William would find great support in his father, to whom he remains very close

As his popularity with the public rose, the second-in-line passionately defended his father's reputation when it was suggested that he accede the throne instead of Charles

After leaving Eton - where he passed three A levels - the pin-up Prince chose to take a gap year before going to university

He spent ten weeks working as a volunteer with Raleigh International in southern Chile

William blew out the candles on his 21st birthday cake during a trip to Wales.

Eighteen months into his studies at St Andrews University he revealed it hadn't been plain sailing and he'd turned to his dad for advice - as well as fellow student and girlfriend Kate Middleton, who persuaded him to stay the course

During his four years at university William indulged in his passion for sports

"I want to be an ordinary student," said the Prince, pictured here playing pool with friends

A huge part of that normality was being grounded by his sweetheart Kate, shown here on the day of the young couple's graduation

There were also developments in his father's love life when Charles married the Duchess of Cornwall.

Shortly after their April 2005 nuptials, William demonstrated his affection for his new stepmother by planting a kiss on her cheek during a Cirencester polo match

In December 2006, after training at Sandhurst military college, he was commissioned as an Army officer in front of his grandmother the Queen.

He joined the Blues and Royals as part of the Household Cavalry

As part of his ongoing military training, William received his RAF wings during a ceremony attended by his father, the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate.

After spending the summer with the Royal Navy he announced he wanted to join the RAF and become a search-and-rescue-pilot.

This surprised many royal followers, who had thought he would quit the Household Cavalry and become a full time working royal

After completing his Search and Rescue training, Prince William joined an elite group of pilots in the RAF.

He is known as Flight Lieutenant Wales while on duty

Concentrating on his military career didn't mean he forgot about his charity work though.

In freezing December temperatures he spent the night sleeping rough on the streets of London in his capacity as patron for Centrepoint, the homeless charity which was close to his mother's heart

After coming into his own in his professional life, the royal sealed his next phase by announcing his engagement to Kate in November 2010

Together, they make a fun and dynamic couple

In 2011, people saw a glimpse of their future King during an official visit to New Zealand on behalf of the Queen.

As people attempt to recover from the devastating Christchurch earthquake, the Prince delivered an authoritative message of support from his grandmother: "Kia kaha" - Maori for "be strong".

Despite being in the middle of an official visit, William didn't hesitate to comfort Down's Syndrome sufferer Derelle Linneth, whose home was destroyed in the floods in Grantham, Australia.

"I love you, William," she told the caring royal, who responded by saying: "In that case you get another cuddle"

This spontaneity was again displayed when William stunned thousands of well-wishers when he turned up for an impromptu walkabout on the eve of his wedding

Euphoria swept across the nation

William's bride Kate is adored by his family.

The Windsors are seen gathered on the balcony for Trooping the Colour

Harry is particularly taken with the Duchess of Cambridge, calling her "my sister"

After settling into married life, William introduced his bride to his passion for charity

She proved a natural during this visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in September 2011

Both are comfortable demonstrating their unique personal connection in public, as they did during their tour of Canada and the US